The Pulaski County Council finalized more than $70,000 in additional appropriations this week. A large chunk of that was pension and vehicle funding for the Sheriff’s Department, according to Auditor Laura Wheeler.
Continue readingPulaski County Council Agrees to Spend Up to Another $10,000 on Fiscal Planning
The Pulaski County Council has agreed to spend up to another $10,000 to continue its fiscal planning process. Member Ken Boswell told the rest of the council Monday that the county has reached the limit of its initial agreement with Peters Municipal Consultants.
Continue readingPulaski County Commissioners Hope to Choose Health Insurance Company July 1
Pulaski County has gotten four proposals for employee health insurance, but before they were even opened Monday, county officials spent several minutes trying to figure out what exactly to do with them. During Monday’s joint council and commissioners meeting, Auditor Laura Wheeler explained that the open enrollment period begins July 1, with the new coverage year starting in August.
Continue readingPulaski County Council Continues Discussing EMA Radio Equipment Funding
A $10,000 bill related to EMA radio equipment continued to be discussed during Monday’s Pulaski County Council meeting. Last month, council members said they wanted more information before moving forward with an additional appropriation.
Continue readingPulaski County Council Considering Ordinance to ‘Thaw’ Property Tax Freeze
Pulaski County landowners may be paying more in property taxes next year. An ordinance that would “thaw” the county’s property tax levy freeze was presented during Monday’s county council meeting. That means the county’s tax levy would be able to increase, within the limits set by the state’s growth quotient.
Continue readingPulaski County Officials to Open Insurance Bids, Present Levy Freeze Ordinance Tonight
The Pulaski County Council and Commissioners will open health insurance bids tonight. The bid opening will take place during their joint session, scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. EDT at the Pulaski County Highway Garage.
Continue readingRep. Gutwein Confident That Pulaski County Courthouse Will Get Needed Upgrades
Pulaski County’s state representative is confident that the County Courthouse has a bright future. “It’s a historical building,” says Representative Doug Gutwein. “I mean, my goodness. We can’t just tear it down and build something new. We need to fix it. We need to take care of it.”
Continue readingPulaski County Council Considers Options for Outside Reimbursement Funds Not Included in Budget
Reimbursable costs are eating into the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department budget. Sheriff Jeff Richwine recently told the county council that when his jailers have to transport federal inmates, his department gets $18 per hour from the federal government for their labor.
Continue readingPulaski County Council Wants More Information Before Moving Ahead with Funding for Radio Tower
The Pulaski County Council has decided to hold off on funding arrangements for a radio tower, amid concerns that it was purchased without the proper permission and that it may not actually be needed. When the Emergency Management Agency’s move to the West Annex was being planned last year, former maintenance director Jeff Johnston said moving the necessary radio equipment would cost about $10,000.
Continue readingPulaski Council Approves Funding Arrangements for Highway Department Dump Truck Purchase
Funding arrangements have been finalized for the Pulaski County Highway Department’s dump truck purchase. Earlier this month, the county commissioners agreed to let the Highway Department purchase the used truck from Pozzo Truck Center that had been traded in by Porter County. Last week, the county council formally approved the payment of the $40,000 cost out of the Local Roads and Streets Fund.
Continue readingPulaski County Commissioners Choose Lawn Care Contractor
After months of discussions, the Pulaski County Commissioners have decided to keep TK Lawn Service as their mowing contractor. Maintenance Director Mia Salyers told the commissioners Monday that she went through the three bids the county received, broke down the costs, and determined that TK’s was the cheapest.
Continue readingPulaski Superior Court Makes Another $20,000 Additional Appropriation Request for Pauper Counsel
Before the Pulaski County Council finalized one request for additional funds for Superior Court Pauper Counsel, Judge Crystal Brucker Kocher was already asking for more money.
Continue readingPulaski County Government Meetings to Move to Highway Garage, Facilities Discussion Gets Heated
The Pulaski County Commissioners decided Monday to move ahead with some office relocations, but not without a heated discussion about the county’s facilities. The commissioners voted to temporarily move the Assessor’s Office from the basement of the courthouse upstairs to the commissioners’ current meeting room.
Continue readingPulaski County Council Considers Funding Arrangements for Sheriff’s Deputies’ Pension Plan
Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies’ new pension plan may soon be fully funded, at least for a year. Last year, the county council approved a switch from a 20- to a 32-year retirement plan.
Continue readingPulaski County Commissioners to Choose Lawn Care Contractor Today
The Pulaski County Commissioners are expected to choose a lawn care contractor this morning. Three companies have submitted bids for mowing and other services at various county properties. Maintenance Director Mia Salyers is expected to make a recommendation today.
Continue readingPulaski County Council Approves Encumbrance Requests, Following Confusion over Procedures
We’re more than a third of the way through 2019, but some Pulaski County officials are still trying to pay bills out of the 2018 budget. More than $10,000 in encumbrances were presented to the county council for approval Monday.
Continue readingPulaski County Finds Funds to House Inmates Out-of-County
Pulaski County officials say they’ve figured out a way to cover inmate housing fees using money that’s already in the budget.
Continue readingEmployee Retention Concerns Shared with Pulaski County Council
Some Pulaski County officials are asking for the county council’s help when it comes to retaining employees. Highway Superintendent Terry Ruff told council members Monday that he wants more money for his staff in next year’s budget.
Continue readingPulaski County Sheriff Urges County Officials to Keep Work Release Center in Facilities Plans
As Pulaski County officials consider potential facilities upgrades, Sheriff Jeff Richwine says an inmate work release facility should remain part of the discussion.
Continue readingPulaski County Council, Commissioners Weigh Options for Courthouse
Pulaski County officials are considering their options when it comes to the future of the county courthouse and other government buildings. The county council and commissioners discussed a few ideas during a special joint meeting Monday.
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